Final Exam Flashcards
(158 cards)
Define digital manufacturing, and list three advantages or disadvantages compared to mass production.
This refers to the use of computer technology to design, simulate, and manufacture products. Compared to mass production, it offers increased flexibility in design, lower costs for small production runs, but requires a higher initial technology investment.
What is the difference between vector and raster images?
Vector: Images are composed of paths which are defined by a start and end point along with other points, curves, and angles. These are scalable without loss of quality.
Raster: Images are made up of pixels, which can lose clarity when scaled up.
List four processes used for AM of metals, with a key advantage for each one.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM): Produces parts with high density and mechanical properties.
Electron Beam Melting (EBM): Offers faster build rates due to higher energy density.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): Able to produce complex geometries that are otherwise difficult to machine.
Binder Jetting: Cost-effective for metal parts and does not require high-powered lasers or electron beams.
List four processes for AM of thermoplastics, with an advantage for each one.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): Can use a wide range of materials and is relatively inexpensive.
Stereolithography (SLA): High accuracy and smooth surface finishes.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Does not require support structures and can produce complex geometries.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF): Offers high build speed and consistent mechanical properties.
List four advantages or limitations of CNC compared to AM
Advantage: High precision and repeatability.
Advantage: Suitable for large-scale production runs.
Limitation: Geometric complexity can increase cost significantly.
Limitation: Material waste is generally higher in CNC than in AM.
Explain what is meant by “Complexity Is Free” in the context of AM? Give an example.
In additive manufacturing, creating complex shapes does not typically add cost. For example, designing internal channels or lightweight structures in parts doesn’t require additional steps or tools.
What property of egg yolk is similar to material used in SLA?
Egg yolk’s viscosity is somewhat similar to the resins used in stereolithography, which need to be fluid enough to be shaped under light and then solidify.
Is it legal to scan an existing faucet handle and then 3D-print and sell it? Explain your reasoning.
It is generally not legal to scan and 3D-print an existing product for sale without permission from the original manufacturer, as this would violate copyright or patent laws.
What is the main cause of failure of printed stainless-steel parts, and what can be done to address it?
Typically, failure arises from residual stress and microstructural defects. Solution treatments and proper heat management during printing can help mitigate these issues.
What is the difference between galvanic and cartesian control of a laser beam?
Galvanic: Uses galvanometers to quickly pivot mirrors and redirect the laser beam, ideal for high-speed laser scanning.
Cartesian: The laser beam is directed by moving the laser head along X and Y axes, which is typically slower but can handle larger objects.
How was AM used in Sudan as a humanitarian aid?
Used to quickly produce essential items like prosthetics and tools in remote areas, leveraging local materials and 3D printing technology.
How does a linear magnetic drive work? Draw a schematic
Utilizes a series of magnets and coils to produce motion along a straight line. The coils are energized in sequence to pull the magnetic carriage along a defined path.
Write G-code program to trace a 1x2” rectangle with its bottom-left corner at the current position
G21 ; Set units to millimeters
G90 ; Use absolute positioning
G1 X0 Y0 ; Move to the starting point
G1 X50.8 ; Move 2 inches along the X-axis
G1 Y25.4 ; Move 1 inch up the Y-axis
G1 X0 ; Move back to the origin along the X-axis
G1 Y0 ; Return to the starting point
Write a function to generate G-code to trace n sawtooth waves of amplitude a and wavelength w.
def generate_gcode(n, a, w):
gcode = “G21 ; Set units to millimeters\nG90 ; Use absolute positioning\n”
for i in range(n):
gcode += f”G1 X{iw} Y0\nG1 X{iw + w/2} Y{a}\nG1 X{(i+1)*w} Y0\n”
return gcode
Does AM of ABS parts produce more or less waste than injection molding? Explain why.
AM typically produces less waste than injection molding because it adds material layer by layer only where needed, unlike injection molding which can generate excess from sprues and runners.
Define the term “economy of scope”
This refers to cost advantages that a business achieves due to a broader range of operations, particularly when producing a variety of products rather than specializing in a single output.
How does a plasma cutter work and what is dross?
How It Works: A plasma cutter uses a jet of hot plasma to cut through electrically conductive materials.
Dross: The residue left on the edge of a cut, consisting of re-solidified metal.
Describe three types of 3D scanning technologies, with a key advantage of each.
Laser Triangulation: Offers high precision.
Structured Light: Fast scanning speed.
Photogrammetry: Cost-effective and good for large objects.
List four technologies for digital 2D-cutting sheet material, with an advantage for each.
Laser Cutting: Precision and ability to cut complex shapes.
Waterjet Cutting: Can cut a wide range of materials without thermal distortion.
Plasma Cutting: Effective for thicker metal sheets.
Knife Cutting: Good for soft materials, no heat affected zone.
Do powder-bed metal AM processes need support structures? Why or why not?
Often necessary to mitigate the effects of thermal stresses and to support overhanging structures, which could otherwise deform.
What is the size of metal powder granules and why is it important?
Typically ranges from 20 to 50 micrometers; critical for ensuring good flowability and packing density, affecting the mechanical properties of the final part.
List four safety considerations in operating a powder metal AM system
Proper ventilation: To avoid inhaling fine metal powders.
Handling and storage of powders: To prevent fires and explosions.
Machine maintenance: To prevent mechanical failures and ensure operational safety.
Post-processing safety: Handling of parts and cleaning to avoid skin contact with metal powders.
What parts are most suitable for AM and which parts aren’t? List four criteria.
Suitable: Complex geometries, customized parts, small production runs.
Not Suitable: Large-scale items, simple designs that can be easily and cheaply mass-produced, parts requiring extremely high material properties.
Write lines of OpenSCAD code that will generate a spiral of fused spheres with progressively larger diameters, such as shown in the image below. Choose any parameters you like.
module spiral_spheres(n, initial_diameter, increment) {
for (i = [0 : n-1]) {
translate([10i, 0, 0])
sphere(d=initial_diameter + incrementi);
}
}
spiral_spheres(10, 5, 2);